Starting this fall, Coca-Cola is launching 12-oz single-serve glass bottles of its Original Taste soda made with real US cane sugar in select markets. This move follows President Trump’s public demand for an American version of the beloved Mexican Coke, which uses cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). “We’re very keen to offer that same combination using American cane sugar,” CFO John Murphy told Bloomberg.
The iconic Mexican Coke, imported since the early 2000s, has built a cult following for its ‘cleaner,’ sharper taste preferred in blind tests. Coca-Cola switched to cheaper HFCS in US sodas decades ago but already uses cane sugar in drinks like Simply Lemonade. RFK Jr. has slammed HFCS as ‘poison’ linked to obesity and diabetes epidemics.
“If you’re going to drink Coca-Cola, drink a Mexican Coke because they don’t have it in it,” Kennedy advised in 2023.
Health Secretary RFK Jr. hailed progress, tweeting “MAHA is winning” after Steak ‘n Shake announced cane sugar Coke at its restaurants.
As supply chain hurdles limit the rollout, will this nostalgic twist sway you from regular Coke? Experts warn it’s still sugar – cane or corn – so sip sparingly for real health gains.
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